Cisco-Linksys WUSB12 Wireless-B Compact USB Adapter

by Cisco

Product Details

Data Sheet [35kb PDF]

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Product Manual [878kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000083EAI
• Item model number: WUSB12
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 18, 2002

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer It's the easiest way to get connected to wireless networks! There's no need to open the case of your computer -- just plug the Linksys Wireless Compact USB Adapter into an available USB port on your notebook or desktop computer, and you're ready to communicate. The included Setup Wizard takes you through the network setup, step by step. And since the adapter is hot-pluggable, you can take it with you from home, to work, and back.

Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, surf the web, use instant messaging to chat with friends across the Internet, and share files and other reSOURCEs such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network. With a portable computer, you'll also be able to connect with any of the growing number of public wireless "hotspots" springing up in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers.

The Wireless Compact USB Adapter is fully compliant with the 802.11b wireless network standard, transferring data at up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz radio band. If distance or interference starts to degrade the signal, the Adapter automatically drops down to slower speeds, to keep you connected if at all possible. Wireless communications are protected by up to 128-bit encryption, so your data stays secure.

For ease of use and Linksys reliability, get the Wireless Compact USB Adapter.

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere -- without wires. Outside of the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, airports -- great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. What Wireless Standard is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g 802.11a/g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

Product Description

The Wireless Compact USB Adapter is fully compliant with the 802.11b wireless network standard, transferring data at up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz radio band. If distance or interference starts to degrade the signal, the Adapter automatically drops down to slower speeds, to keep you connected if at all possible.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally sweet!, March 16, 2003

By 

Rheumor (New Orelans) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WUSB12 Wireless-B Compact USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

I have a wired & wireless 802.11b Linksys network, which has been working well for some time (and now works even better since the addition of a Linksys Wireless Signal Booster).
Recently I became a Beta tester for Tivo's new home network (which I'll review +++ once the NDA expires), so my Tivo-2 needed to access the network via its now-active USB ports. I bought this WUSB12, took it out of the box, plugged it into the Tivo, and I was done. Turning on the Tivo, I went to setup and found it had already recognized the network. I selected the network as my connection choice, it tested the connection and then executed an entire day's download in about 15 seconds. Wow.
The device itself is slick, looking like some kind of big Sharpie. Sliding off the pen-clip cover exposes the business end of this USB device, and also allows access to the release button for the little antenna. There are 2 lights in the base, one for power and one for link detection. The package includes a little USB cable (if you need one) and a lanyard to carry this thing around your neck (not me). I did install the software, which was painless and in my case (network is not password protected) not really necessary. I predict this is going to be a very successful product as more and more wireless networks are deployed in public places like schools, libraries, malls and coffee houses.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Works Great with Tivo, November 17, 2003

By 

Kishantha Galappatti (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WUSB12 Wireless-B Compact USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

I initially purchased the Linksys WUSB-11 v2.8 from Amazon but found out that my Tivo Series2 did not support the 2.8 version, only 2.6 (Tivo now has a beta upgrade that will support v2.8). I had heard of signal strength problems with the WUSB-12 so I was hesitant. I went out and tried it anyway and it works perfectly. Tivo recognized it immediately and installed a firmware upgrade automatically. I get 70% signal strength, my access point is in my office and the Tivo is in the living room.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TIVO users rejoice!!, March 22, 2004

By 

Jeremy K. Jones (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WUSB12 Wireless-B Compact USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

This little beauty is the real deal. No more 100 foot telephone cords snaking through your living room. Pop this little baby into the back of your TIVO, follow the instructions on the screen, and you are set!

The instructions that come with this adapter are for use with a laptop or desktop, they do not apply if you are installing this on a TIVO. Go to your TIVO menu, plug in the adapter and follow the instructions on the screen.

I was able to get this adapter up and running in less than 5 minutes. My TIVO automatically told me I had to update my firmware (it also told me how to do it). Then I just entered my closed network SSID and it was up and running. Beautiful!!